SMOKING TRIGGERS
If you're trying to quit, your triggers are your worst enemies. They are your main culprits. They sneak up on you when you least expect it. They are precisely why a person relapses, so it's very important to understand how to overcome them. If you plan ahead, you'll succeed.
They can be anything: a person, a place, a certain time, or even a song on the radio. If you're a pack a day smoker, then there are 100's of them engraved in your memory.
Now don't be scared, it's not as bad as you think. They can be reversed. Yes, it is possible. Eventually, your daily routine will be a trigger-free environment. The exact things that set you off in the past will have no relevance anymore. There are days when you won't even think about cigarettes. Doesn't that sound wonderful? Yes it does, so get to that place.
First, let's categorize them into groups:
PRIMARY TRIGGERS - These surface within the first month or so. If your daily routine doesn't change much, you haven't moved or switched jobs, then you'll probably face these right off the bat. Your neighborhood convenience store is a huge one.
You've likely bought cigarettes from here dozens and dozens of times. You may even know the cashier's name. On top of that, those cashier's probably know what brand you like, too. There is even a chance they might have them sitting on the counter waiting for you because they are conditioned to knowing exactly what you come in for. Sound familiar?
I would avoid this place all together for the first few days. Otherwise, you may go in there and buy them without fully thinking first, and you don't want that to happen. It's easy to slip-up if you aren't focused.
SECONDARY TRIGGERS - These take place in the future. In fact, you might not even encounter one until years after you've quit. But beware, these may be the most deadliest ones of all!
Death is a prime example, and one of the hardest to overcome. It's one of the biggest events you'll encounter in your lifetime. You can't prepare for it, and you'll never know when it'll strike.
The real cigarette addict knows deep down that the death of a loved one will be the one true excuse to light up. Who would deny them? But you MUST be strong at this moment. It's imperative! Think about how the person who died would react to you smoking again. Is that a good feeling? Stand firm and say NO! You'll feel wonderful if you make it past the tough times.
HABITUAL BEHAVIORS - These are your bad habits, whereas triggers are people, places, and things. There is a difference. You have 100's of these. You'll encounter them all day every day until you reverse the bad behavior.
Eating is a good example because it's common practice to smoke after you eat. Everybody knows this. You'll quickly learn to reverse this behavior by not lighting up after you eat. In fact, this is the very FIRST behavior you'll reverse. The first time or two may be tough, but it's a piece of cake after that. Soon eating will be a joyous occasion, most likely the best part of your day.
